JCRA executive director Chuck Webb

THE heads of the UK and French competition authorities will be in Jersey next week to mark the fourth year of the Island’s Competition Law.

The chairman of the UK Competition Commission, Peter Freeman, and the president of the French Authorité de la Concurrence, Bruno Lasserre, will attend a seminar next Friday organised by the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority.

Jersey’s Competition Law came into force in November 2005 and its achievements include the elimination of fixed prices among lawyers, dentists, taxi-cabs, plumbers and electricians. The law also prevented mergers and acquisitions that would have lessened competition.

At the seminar, to be held at the Pomme d’Or Hotel, JCRA executive director Chuck Webb will highlight achievements of the law and will talk about the JCRA’s aims. Mr Freeman and Mr Lasserre will add an international perspective and talk about the importance of effective competition law enforcement.

Mr Webb said: ‘Given Jersey’s unique history and culture, it is an ideal venue to host senior competition enforcers from both France and the UK. We are extremely fortunate to have speakers of the quality and credentials of Mr Lasserre and Mr Freeman.’